Album Review: Wake The President

Wake The President- ‘You Can’t Change That Boy’ (Electric Honey)

Released on Stow College’s student-run record label Electric Honey, ‘You Can’t Change That Boy’ is an immensely accomplished debut. Those Stow kids have taste, having previously put out albums by Belle and Sebastian, Snow Patrol and Biffy Clyro. Wake the President are certainly worthy of such company.

The band are very much a product of Glasgow, and reflect both the city’s character and musical heritage. ‘Wake’, for example, references the River Kelvin, and the influence of Postcard Records bands like Orange Juice and Aztec Camera is there for all to hear.

However, it would be wrong to dismiss Wake The President as just a parochial indie band in thrall to their heroes. There’s something vital, something necessary about their music, as they evoke the spirit of the city in a way few others have managed.

Lyrically there’s a lot to appreciate, as singer Erik Sandberg displays a biting wit and a knack for a wry turn of phrase. On ‘You Can’t Change That Boy’ the melodies bristle with effervescence as Sandberg sings “Evening is a time for mirth and gaiety”. The irresistable pop hooks of ‘Remember Fun’ bob along brilliantly as well, describing a girl with a ‘Lovely Body’ and a ‘Promiscious Mind’ as the guitars jangle.

Perhaps there’s something slightly twee about songs like ‘Remember Fun?’, but in truth most of the album has a darker undercurrent reminiscent of Arab Strap. These are tails of deceit, infidelity, and dark passions wrapped-up in infections melodies.

‘You Can’t Change That Boy’ is a rich, rewarding and beautifully-realised album. Glasgow may be Wake The Presidents spiritual home, but there sound is sure to win hearts much further afield.

Wake The President are holding an album launch party at Pollockshields Burgh Hall on Fri 6th March

Check out the band on their myspace